I remember a developer once telling me that during an event, he would scan the room and there I would be in the back of the room smiling. I knew immediately what he was referring to as I always take a few minutes quietly in a corner and just watch the interaction, the laughter, the learning, and the pride of the people running the event. Those moments are some of my favorite ones at work. I’m happy for them and I’m happy for me.
I have always associated these opportunities and feelings to being limited to the people where I’m working. Not anymore! An individual, who attended my session a few years ago, reached out to me to have me come to her company to share my session. That alone was awesome. But what was even sweeter…listening to her challenge herself, sharing the growth journey she has been on and acknowledging the work she has done. Now I’m in no way taking claim to any of this. That’s all her! Yet, as I sat listening, I found myself smiling. I was proud of her. I was proud that she was going outside of her comfort zone and I was proud that she wanted to pay it forward too. It’s the same type of pride I’m feeling as when I am fully invested in someone. I foolishly thought I needed a long term deep relationship to be proud of someone. Turns out, I really am that person who claps excitedly when something good is happening for someone else.
So often we think of our proudest moments and try to remember the awards/appreciation. Those are nice memories but they are not enough. Some of my proudest moments are the inspiring experiences someone trusts to share with me.
What makes you proud at work?
